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Explain why this collection procedure does not meet the standard of anonymity, and describe the relationship between the researcher and the participant's data in this context.
Case context: A researcher is conducting a study on sensitive academic behaviors. She distributes a paper questionnaire that does not request names, student IDs, or any demographic details. However, she has each participant hand their completed questionnaire directly to her face-to-face as they exit the classroom.
Question: Explain why this collection procedure does not meet the standard of anonymity, and describe the relationship between the researcher and the participant's data in this context.
Sample answer: Although the questionnaire lacks written identifiers, the procedure fails to meet the standard of anonymity because the researcher collects the surveys face-to-face. This direct handoff enables the researcher to observe which participant submits which questionnaire, allowing them to link responses to specific individuals. For true anonymity, it must be impossible for anyone, including the researcher, to link data back to the participant.
Key points:
- Anonymity is violated if the researcher can link responses to specific individuals, even if names are not written on the data.
- Face-to-face collection enables the researcher to associate a specific questionnaire with a specific participant.
- Anonymity requires that no identifying details are recorded or observable to link responses to individuals.
Rubric: The explanation must demonstrate comprehension that visual and physical contact during data collection allows the researcher to link responses to specific individuals, thereby failing the standard of anonymity despite the absence of written names.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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